Benjamin Franklin ( )

Benjamin Franklin( ) u Benjamin Franklin was not only one of the Founding Fathers of the United States. He was a leading writer, publisher, inventor, diplomat, scientist, and philosopher. He is well- known for his experiments with electricity and lightning, and for publishing "Poor Richard's Almanac" and the Pennsylvania Gazette. He served as Postmaster General under the Continental Congress, and later became a prominent abolitionist. He is credited with inventing the lightning rod, the Franklin Stove, and bifocals.

About Benjamin Franklin ： Jack of all trades  Was born in a poor candle and soap maker ’ s family in Boston u Received no regular education u Became an apprentice to a printer when he was 12 u An editor of a newspaper and published lots of essays when he was 16 u Went to Philadelphia when he was 17 u Retired when he was 42

u American politician, scientist, inventor, and educator, etc. u He conducted the difficult negotiation with France that brought financial and military support for America in the War of Independence. u He was a typical example of the American Dream. He helped draft the “Declaration of Independence”. u He founded the college that was to become the University of Pennsylvania.

u Founded the first public library u Organized the first fire department u Organized the first paid police force u Founded a school and a hospital. u Ppracticed the effective street lighting

Literary works  Poor Richard ’ s Almanac ( 《穷查理的年历》、《格言历书》） –Modeled on farmers ’ annual calendar; kept publishing for many years; includes many classical sayings, such as “ A penny saved is a penny earned. ”

u The Autobiography 1. It is considered the first popular self-help book ever published. 2. It was the first and only work written in American before the 19th century that has retained bestseller popularity since its release. 3. It was the first major secular American autobiography. 4. It is also the first real account of the American Dream in action as told from a man who experienced it firsthand.

The Definition of Autobiography u A story that a person writes about his or her own life is called an autobiography. Autobiographies are written in first-person point of view, and biographies in third- person point of view.

About The Autobiography u The Autobiography—— the greatest autobiography produced in Colonial America u The work portrays a fascinating picture of life in Philadelphia, u Franklin wrote the first five chapters of his autobiography in England in 1771, resumed again thirteen years later ( ) in Paris and later in 1788 when he returned to the United States.

u Franklin ends the account of his life in 1757 when he was 51 years old. u It is regarded as one of the most important works of American literature produced during the 18th century. u It is a record of a man rising to wealth and fame from a state of poverty and obscurity, an account of the colorful career of America's first self-made man.

u It is perhaps the first real post-revolutionary American writing as well as the first real autobiography in English. u First of all, it is a puritan document. The most famous section describes his scientific scheme of self-examination and self- improvement.

u The style: it is the pattern of Puritan simplicity, directness, and concision( 言简 意赅 ). The narrative is lucid( 易懂的 ), the structure is simple, the imagery is homely( 朴素的 ). u an exemplary illustration of the American style of writing.

u “To help myself live without fault, I made a list of what I considered the 13 virtues. These virtues are: u 1. Temperance 2. Self-control 3. Silence 4. Resolution 5. Frugality 6. Industry 7. Sincerity 8.Justice 9.Moderation 10.Cleanliness 11.Tranquility 12. Chastity 13. Humility u 1. 节制饮食 2. 自我克制 3. 沉默寡言 4. 果断决 然 5. 节约简朴 6. 勤劳肯干 7. 待人真诚 8. 办事 公正 9. 适度中庸 10. 衣履整洁 11. 平心静气 12. 品行高洁 13. 谦虚恭顺

u He was a rare genius in human history. He became almost everything: a printer, postmaster, citizen, almanac maker, essayist, scientist, inventor, orator （雄辩家）, statesman, philosopher, political economist, ambassador and musician. u He was the first great self-made man in America, his fine example helped to liberalize.

Characters in The Autobiography u Benjamin Franklin - The author and protagonist of The Autobiography; u The Autobiography tells of the major events of his life and many of his important scientific and political ideas, but the work does not discuss the American Revolution, in which Franklin was a major participant.

u James Franklin: Franklin older brother who owns a printing house in Boston. Ben is apprenticed to James when Ben is 12, and while they do not always get along very well, Ben learns much from James and proves to be quite helpful. When James is arrested for holding subversive ( 颠覆性的） political ideas, Ben takes over the paper until James’ release. When Ben breaks his contract and leaves for Philadelphia, James grows angry and spiteful.

Summary of The Autobiography u First of its kind in literature u Writing when he was 65 u An introduction of his life to his own son u Including four parts written in different times  Puritanism ’ s influence, such as self-examination and self- improvement (timetable, thirteen virtues, life style)  Enlightenment spirits (man ’ s nature good, rights of liberty, virtues includes “ order ” )  Style: simple, clear in order, direct and concise ( “ Nothing should be expressed in two words that can as well be expressed in one. ” ) (Puritanism ’ s influence) u Popular, still well-read today, his values and style influenced lots of Americans

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